I Went Back to Photoshop CS6?!

CS6 was the last version of Photoshop that you could purchase outright without paying into the Creative Cloud. So it’s easy to look back on CS6, more than 12 years ago now, with rose-colored glasses. Couldn’t have possibly been that great, right? Watch and see!

[dontump]

CS6 is legendary. Not only was it the last version you could own, it was the last version that didn't rely on cloud services for basic functions. It was so fast and didn't have to think or connect to a server with every click. The only way Adobe can redeem themselves is to create another photoshop app that people can own and use without cloud. At this point, free chat gpt is more powerful than $50 a month for photoshop.

[DigitalLadySyd]

I keep CS6 on my computer as a PS back up. It works just fine and still connects to all the third party filters. Great program!

[Flashback-Gamer]

a Time when Adobe made some of the best most stable image editing tools ever. I've extremely fond memories of this amazing package and although great improvements have happened, there was something extraordinary about Adobe CS6 that just doesn't resonate in today's versions.

[JoeBooFX]

It just goes to show how little photoshop has improved since they moved over to a subscription model. I wish I bought cs6 every day. It's still highly relevant to this day.

[davidstong]

CS6 is still an amazing app. It's my daily work horse. Thanks for this, Deke.

[herrDOS]

I think Adobe could benefit from offering a buy-once-use-forever option. You get to use a version frozen in time, no updates, no online features (no cloud, no AI). Microsoft sells Office 365 this way.
I do believe subscription model is better (because I remember how insanely expensive CS was back in the day, and that everyone whining “subscription bad” was likely pirating it in those times). But the backlash against it is so big, so maybe there is a room to reconsider.

[Moravias]

Back when they really had to innovate to make sure people jump from one version of CS to the next one. I left Adobe PS on 2016 and moved to Affinity. Can't say I miss it.

[MarcCardwell]

I have 5 or 6 on an old Mac somewhere, it AMAZES me how quickly the app opens, like 2-3 seconds. Same w/ AI ad Ind, blazing fast.

[beckoning-chasm]

I still use PS CS6 everyday. I tried the new one but it didn't do anything that I actually needed. Affinity Photo is also great, and also buy-it-and-done.

[TheCynysterMind]

I still use my Master Collection CS6... But I am annoyed as all get out that they decommissioned their "Activation Servers"
Forcing me to find an activation HACK to my "fully paid for" software.

[schnittmagier]

PS CS6 was truly great! It took 10+ Years to finally add some (AI) features that makes a difference to me. Until then, I could have done all my Jobs in good old CS6 Photoshop. But even the new Feattures I can substitute with other Software like Krita (with its own AI Plugin)

[Graphicxtras-AffinityPhoto]

I should do a video on my using Photoshop 6 ... personally I was happiest with that version and was using it till very recently. Photoshop 2024 is fine but for most of the features, I probably use much the same as I did with version 6. Never use the AI stuff at all (unless I don't realise it and it is part of the function). Still got all of Creative Suite 5 active, it is fine as well on windows 11. Also great for filters that no longer work

[needleninja]

I wish they would have updated it to support 4k+ resolutions.

[Lupr]

The only thing that holds back CS6 is the fact that newer Camera RAW versions do not support it. So no support for my Sony camera raw files :/ I'm converting them to tiff instead as I've read its basically as close to RAW as possible.

[thenthen]

I'm using PS2024 now, Idk why but I still find the plugin Camera Raw in CS6 better. I like how it subtly reduces noise. Or may be I'm still not used to the CC version. I'm using it just recently.

[yinoveryang]

Yes, there were a lot of real developments between CS5 and CS6 werent there. To me the main development since then (some curiously implemented Ai features aside) seems to have been taking a huge stack of annual revenue and re-distributing it from software development — into other stuff. Over the years, certain people have steered Adobe further towards commercialism at all costs. Unfortunately the most recent "cost" incurred - was the companies reputation. Which will need to be rebuilt, hopefully that's a focus.

I think Photoshop will remain strong for a few more years, thanks to its sheer power and scope—unless they decide to take a nuclear bomb to the feature set, (Remember Photoshop Elements) - Which really will decimate their reputation.

[juurstudio]

It’s kinda crazy to see how little the UI has changed since then, it’s basically exactly the same 😅

[FlameForgedSoul]

That illustration takes Us back.
#Lynda

If only CS6 had Directional Blur and a scalable interface. It is *so fast* on even relatively modern hardware. Ditto Illustrator.

[Liana-ksui]

I still have CS6 running on my old 2015 MacBook pro running Sierra. I have to replace my MAC though, as the hinge is broken, etc. Will CS6 run on more recent versions of OS X or will I have to buy an older MAC to install it on? Thanks for this great info Deke!

[OptimusSmyth]

I still have CS6 on my 2012 Macbook and haven't updated my OS since 2017 for fear it will screw it up. My Mac is getting old though and I need to switch to a newer model. If I still have the installation disc, can I actually install it to a new Mac or will it not work at all?